"USA Today"'s Chris Woodyard reminds us that Dustin Hoffman was a squeaky-faced kid in "The Graduate" when an Alfa Romeo last took a memorable spin in the consciousness of the Consumer Republic. Fiat,
the parent of Chrysler Group, yesterday took the wraps off its return of the brand to the U.S. by introducing the "sexy new Alfa Romeo 4C." This is "after years of failed promises and delayed
introductions," the "Los Angeles Times"'s David Undercoffler points out. ...Read the whole story

The pre-paid mobile carrier has marked Feb. 13 as "National Break Up Day," encouraging people who are in unhealthy relationships (particularly if those relationships involve a mobile carrier) to get out of them before spending money on something that won't last. ...Read the whole story

Fans who tweet about the sweetest things their sweethearts do @DunkinDonuts, using hashtag #DDSweetheart, earn chances to win a grand prize of two JetBlue travel vouchers. Six other winners will receive $50 Valentine's Day-themed mGifts. ...Read the whole story

Purina Pro Plan dog food debuted a consumer-generated TV spot during one of the world's most famous dog shows. Viewers who tuned in Feb. 11 and 12 to the 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show got the chance to see "everyday" dogs prove their greatness alongside the elite "Best in Show" class. Purina Pro Plan, the presenting partner of the prestigious annual dog show, debuted the 60-second spot "How I'm Great," a compilation of consumer-submitted videos celebrating every dog's greatness. ...Read the whole story

Dawn Lerman, executive director of the Center for Positive Marketing at Fordham University, tells "Marketing Daily" that the ranking reflects the center's overall purpose: to focus teaching and research on marketing practice that is transparent, ethical, and empowering to consumers. "We like to cite Amazon as an example." ...Read the whole story

Under Armour is creating its own series of holidays this year to promote five major innovations and programs including a new apparel line called Coldgear Infrared, new footwear and a high-tech workout monitor called Armour 39. ...Read the whole story

"Traditional discretionary expenditures in recent years have fallen victim to tighter family budgets," says Pam Goodfellow, consumer insights director for BIGinsights. "However, there's no question that there are still quite a few things that are off limits for the chopping block." ...Read the whole story

Around The Net

To achieve share gains, Chevrolet needs to save Malibu. The company has had to slash prices and do a mid-cycle refresh of the recently redesigned midsize sedan. Chevy will cut $770 of the car's MSRP, hoping to keep the sedan from losing more ground. Introduced in early 2012, the domestic 4-door faces a formidable assortment of competitors in one of the market's toughest segments, including all-new versions of the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord, as well as the midsize sales leader, the Toyota Camry. Malibu's unanticipated shortfall is one reason why parent General Motors lost 1.5 points of ... ...Read the whole story

Made in America represents a better way -- a trend that smart businesses should be leveraging. A brand that has developed authentic associations with "Made in America" values will grow a committed and loyal customer base ...More

Consumers today need to be able to make purchase decisions more quickly by absorbing less information. Marketers need to restrain themselves and fight the impulse to put everything they think their consumer needs to know on ...More